In spite of this
threat, Mahe was captured. Hyder for a time remained quiet, but the
Madras government gave him fresh cause for offence by sending a force,
in August, 1779, to the assistance of Basult Jung at Adoni.
"To get there, this detachment had to pursue a route which led, for
two hundred miles, through the most difficult passes, and through the
territories both of the Nizam and Hyder. The Council altogether
ignored the expressed determination, of both these princes, to oppose
the march, and did not even observe the civility of informing them
that they were going to send troops through their territory.
"I do not say, Dick, that this made any real difference, in the end.
The alliance between the three native Powers being made, it was
certain that war would break out shortly. Still, had it not been for
their folly, in giving Hyder and the Nizam a reasonable excuse for
entering upon hostilities, it might have been deferred until the
Madras government was better prepared to meet the storm.
"The Bengal government, fortunately, again stepped in and undid at
least a part of the evil. It took the entire management of affairs out
of the hands of Rumbold's council; and its action was confirmed by the
Board of Directors, who censured all the proceedings, dismissed Sir
Thomas Rumbold and his two chief associates from the Council, and
suspended other members.
Pages:
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109